[INTERVIEW] Rapper Boldy James Opens Up About New Music

Boldy James Opens Up About His Latest Mixtape, House of Blues

It’s been well over three years removed since the release of his much heralded official solo debut, ‘(M.1.C.S.) My 1st Chemistry Set,’ [Mass Appeal], and now native Detroit, Michigan, emcee, Boldy James, returns with House of Blues, his first full-length mixtape since 2015’s Trappers Alley 2. Parlé Magazine recently caught up with the 34 year old wordsmith who was born James Clay Jones, III…

“Boldy’s ‘House Of Blues’ is a treat for trappers, lyric-fiends, and old-school heads alike…”

Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this recently unleashed single, “Maserati Rick”. Tell me about this particular composition? How did it actually come to fruition?
Boldy James: I loved this beat so much when I heard it; I loved the hook. The original hook said, “money make me rich” – I’m a Detroit n***a, so I had to keep it as close to home as possible so I switched it up to “Maserati Rick.” I identified with the Maserati Rick story; I put the hook into the Detroit mindset, and made it relevant to the music.

Parlé Mag: “Maserati Rick” comes courtesy of your new solo mixtape, House of Blues—conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
Boldy James: House of Blues represents myself; me trying to hustle in this music game.

Parlé Mag: How does House of Blues either differ and/or compare to previous Boldy James efforts?
Boldy James: House of Blues has some more party music; it’s not as serious as other projects. I kinda had fun with this. The whole world knows I can rap. Now it’s time to make cooler records; push for radio and try to make it on charts. I’m still me though.

Parlé Mag: The Art of Rock Climbing EP dropped in January, why exactly did you decide to return with another project so soon after?
Boldy James: Because I took such a long hiatus, I had to get the Hip-Hop focused project out – Art of Rock Climbing – and then I had to get that trap house project out. House of Blues was a salute to the trap. I needed some balance.

Parlé Mag: Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Boldy James: I attribute my longevity to the support from my family; they get me right. My family is cool; they let me know that I can keep pushing towards making music. As long as they’re cool, it’s easier for me to get into the studio and work.

Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Boldy James: I don’t really have an opinion about that. Music is music. I just put out the best stuff as I can; if the kids like it, then I love it. It’s their turn to decide who’s hot and who’s not. I’m cool with whatever it is. I’m gonna do what I do, I just gotta work hard.

Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Boldy James: I wanna run a Fortune 500 company. I wanna get my music right; just do me. Who knows from there; clothing, vehicles; I’m a hustler try’na make money!

Parlé Mag: What has been your greatest achievement(s) so far?
Boldy James: My biggest achievement so far is looking at the progress my kids make on a day-to-day basis. They’re growing up to be great individuals. I’m seeing their new ideas and how they are gonna be beneficial to the world, and I see them with great futures. They’re my best friends in the world.

Parlé Mag: One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Boldy James: “I Sold Dope All My Life” from Trappers Alley: Pros & Cons is a part of who I am; the song put me in a mind state of who I really was before people started taking me seriously.